Doing Business in Lebanon
The Market
Consumer buying habits
For thousands of years Lebanon has been a center of trade, which has given it an appreciation of foreign goods. Lebanese people like to be very elegant. It is very important to have the nicest handbag, Chloe' or Dolce & Gabbana, even if they can't afford more. They might buy one of two good pieces a year. Beirut dwellers tend to spend an extraordinary percentage of their incomes on luxury products, and they derive a great deal of prestige from choosing international brands and paying full price for them. Lebanese people like to be seen doing the right things, wearing the right things, and driving the right things and go in debt doing it. They have a sake of living lifestyle--living beyond their means--even if the country is falling apart around them.
Common types of retail outlets: H&M, Aishti, Dolce&Gabanna, Gucci, and Guess
Advertising and Promotion in Lebanon
Business Etiquette
Dress
- For Men--Stylish
suits and ties are common for initial meetings. Darker colors are
the way to go. Business casual attire is becoming more and more
acceptable in many industries.
- For Women--Conservative, yet stylish. Pants are
acceptable. Women are usually fully made--up and wear accessories.
Dress is more open in urban environments vs. rural. Best to
dress conservatively (dresses/skirts cut above the knee, no low necklines
or sleeveless attire when in religiously conservative areas
- Jeans and shorts are not acceptable in business
situations.
- Being well-groomed is appreciated.
Business Cards
Expect to exchange business cards with everyone. In Arab countries, it's polite and expected that your business card will be in English in one side and Arabic on the other. Present your card Arabic side up.
Meetings
- Schedule meetings well in advance
- Accept all offers of food and drink
- Avoid sensitive subjects on business and politics
- Give host a gift
- Don't use your left hand
- Don't show the bottom of your foot
- Don't point with index finger
- Showing affection or touching others unacceptable
- Arab people are laid back, so relax and take it slow
- Schedule meetings well in advance
- Accept all offers of food and drink
- Avoid sensitive subjects on business and politics
- Give host a gift
- Don't use your left hand
- Don't show the bottom of your foot
- Don't point with index finger
- Showing affection or touching others unacceptable
- Arab people are laid back, so relax and take it slow
No comments:
Post a Comment